TUSCALOOSA – Senior offensive guard Arie Kouandjio returns for his second season as a starter for the Alabama football team.

It's been a long journey to this point, so he's enjoying his opportunity.

Kouandjio dealt with multiple knee surgeries early in his career that kept him off the field, but was always positive as he strived to return.

He's still doing rehab so he can keep going at a high enough level to remain in the starting lineup.

"I feel like it's always a progress and process," Kouandjio said of keeping his knees strong. "I don't even remember how they use to feel back in the day. I feel like I'm bending more than I might have been able to bend just because I had to overdo some things."

Kouandjio does specific stretching and muscle building exercises to help support his knees. One of his staples is extra squat movements.

"Every day I find different processes and things I can do to get it better and fulfill the goals I have set for myself and the team, so I can play tenaciously and do the things I would like to do on the field," he said.

Kouandjio realizes this is his final season and the end of the long journey. He's not dwelling on it now, but living in the moment.

"Maybe down the road I'll feel like (looking back) when we are done with what we do," Kouandjio said. "For right now I'm just focused on getting the guys around me right and myself right."

Bottom up

Defensive linemen Brandon Ivory and Jarran Reed rejoined the team after suspensions to begin preseason practice.

They went through the five-day acclimation period of limited contact without full pads. They are full speed now, but at the back of the line.

Ivory was the starting nose guard last season, while Reed started the spring game after being a junior college transfer.

"They're on the third team so they've got to work their way up," Saban said. "I don't think it's real fair to the guys that have been out there for 14 days practicing on the first and second team. They've got to beat them out. They're not entitled to anything."

With their experience, they should be back in their old roles by the start of the season Aug. 30 against West Virginia.

"They're working hard; they're doing a good job," Saban said. "They're getting plenty of work, so they certainly have to improve as football players. But from a behavioral standpoint they have done a really good job and I'm pleased with them."

Tight end depth

Alabama needed more quality depth at tight end, so sophomore Dakota Ball moved over from the log jammed defensive line.

He played some tight end at Pepperell High in Lindale, Georgia, so it didn't take long to get back into the groove.

"He's strong; he's stronger than me," tight end O.J. Howard said. "He's got great hands. He's learning. He's picking it up quick. He's also just a great person who takes coaching well."